R-5721 / U-5765: N.C. 73 Improvements

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The N.C. Department of Transportation is proposing to improve an 8.5-mile stretch of N.C. 73 in Lincoln and Mecklenburg Counties. Improvements along N.C. 73 begin at N.C. 16 in Lincoln County and extend to Northcross Drive (S.R. 2316) in Huntersville. The N.C. 73 project is included in the 2018–2027 NCDOT State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as two projects: R-5721 and U-5765. The two projects are combined for environmental study purposes.

Vicinity Map:

Interactive Vicinity Map

NCDOT is not responsible for its accuracy or use. The corridor study area represents human and natural environment information gathering limits only.

By clicking on the icon above () you will have the option of turning on/off individual alternatives. for ease of viewing.

PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

The purpose of the project is to improve the traffic carrying capacity of N.C. 73 within the study area to operate at an acceptable level of service through the design year 2040. A secondary purpose is to safely accommodate multi-modal uses of the corridor. Multi-modal uses on this project would include bicycle and pedestrian activities.

ALTERNATIVES BEING CONSIDERED

The project study area has a variable width along N.C. 73 to account for environmental resources, major utilities, as well as recommendations from the Northwest Huntersville Transportation Study (2011) and the CRTPO Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) (2017). NCDOT is evaluating several corridors for the N.C. 73 improvements:

Alternative 1: This corridor would be a "Best-fit" widening along existing N.C. 73.

Alternative 2: This corridor woubl be a "Best-fit" widening along existing N.C. 73 with two potential corridor paths to the west in the area between McGuire Nuclear Station Road and Beatties Ford Road.

Based on preliminary analyses, four-lane and six-lane roadway sections are being considered to accommodate future traffic volumes. Minor improvements to intersecting roads will also be evaluated.

ESTIMATED COSTS

Activity

Estimated Cost*

Right of Way Acquisition

$ 79,000,000

Utilities

$ 8,000,000

Construction Costs

$ 77,000,000

Total Cost

$ 164,000,000

* Estimated Costs as shown in Current 2018-2027 STIP and are subject to change

TIMELINE

Milestone

Date*

Public Meetings

February 5 and 6

Design Public Meeting

Spring 2018

Final Environmental Document

Summer 2018

Begin Right of Way Acquisition

2020

Begin Construction

2022

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

The NCDOT project team will review all feedback – regardless of how it is submitted (online, phone, email, or letter) – and explore options to incorporate comments and address concerns where and when feasible.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

NCDOT held two open-house public meetings in February to:

Present the corridors being considered

Present the potential realignment options being considered

Present the proposed typical roadway cross-sections

Receive public input

NCDOT staff will be available to discuss the corridor alternatives and crossections and to answer questions. Comments and questions deadline: March 16, 2018.

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled individuals who want to participate in any meetings. Anyone requiring such services should contact Tamara Makhlouf at 919-707-6072 or [email protected] as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.

Persons who speak Spanish and do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior to any meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494.

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS

Comments may be submitted via phone, email or U.S. Mail to either of the individuals listed below or at any meeting. All comments received carry equal weight, regardless of submittal method. All commetns will be reviewed and suggestions/recommendations incorporated into designs where feasible. Comment deadline: March 16, 2018.

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION

RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS

Although the N.C. Department of Transportation works to minimize the number of homes and businesses displaced by a road project, it is inevitable, in many cases, that a certain amount of private property is needed. The following information explains right of way acquisition and answers questions about the process.